The European Union formally criticized the Presidential Administration over the President’s submission of the draft bill on the Anti-corruption Court (ACC) contrary to Kyiv’s promises and the recommendations of the Venice Commission, according to a written statement by the EU press secretary published by Evropeiska Pravda.

Brussels recalled that their Ukrainian partners repeatedly made the commitment to establish the ACC.

“The establishment of a truly independent and effective Anti-corruption Court in Ukraine would be a vital step in combating corruption in the country… That is why we welcome the submission of the draft bill (by the President),” the comment says.

At the same time, according to the EU, the President’s draft bill does not conform to Ukraine’s international obligations.

“The main provisions of the draft bill do not meet the recommendations of the Venice Commission. It is important to review these issues, and the EU has conveyed this message to Ukrainian authorities,” Brussels noted.The representative of the European Union stressed that the establishment of the ACC in accordance with Ukraine’s commitments is also necessary to fulfill the conditions of for granting a visa-free regime. “Its establishment… is also required by the European Commission as part of the visa free mechanism,” the comment says.

It is also noted that the European Union is coordinating its efforts with other international players. “The EU works closely with the USA and the International Monetary Fund regarding this issue, and, of course, is ready to continue cooperation with the relevant Ukrainian authorities to support this process.”

According to the Evropeiska Pravda, at the end of last week the EU delegation sent an official letter to the Presidential administration, the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, and key Ministers, in which the EU officially informed Ukraine of its position.

At the same time the EU delegation made no detailed comments on this issue but confirmed that consultations are ongoing. “We are now having conversations with the Presidential administration and the relevant committees of the Verkhovna Rada regarding the Anti-Corruption Court,” the press service of the diplomatic mission stated.